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Acorn squash for babies is a nutrient-dense food option for any time of year. Learn how to properly cut and how to cook acorn squash for baby with several ideas for serving.

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When I was making acorn squash for baby, I resorted to the air fryer. Why? Because it’s quick, flavorful, and the texture can’t be beat.

But in reality, there are tons of ways to make and serve acorn squash for baby, whether you want to puree it or serve it whole in chunks.

The same goes for all winter squash – how to cook winter squash boils down to time, flavor and personal preference.

This post will review everything you need to know about serving acorn squash baby food to your little one.

Can Babies Eat Squash?

Yes, all types of squash are great foods for babies, from acorn squash to butternut squash to spaghetti squash.

Some babies may experience digestive discomfort when introduced to new (high fiber) foods, including squash.

If your baby experiences any digestive issues such as gas or constipation, you can try adjusting the texture, time of day, or amount you are serving to your baby.

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When Can Babies Have Squash?

Most babies are generally ready for solids around 6 months, when they meet the milestones.

After talking with your pediatrician, you can introduce squash then.

We introduced acorn and butternut squash around 7 months for baby led weaning, since baby could hold things by that point and was more comfortable mashing with his teeth.

While there are generally more questions around how to introduce peanut butter to babies, acorn squash for babies is more straightforward.

However, as a disclaimer, always consult with your pediatrician or a healthcare professional before introducing new foods to your baby’s diet.

He/she can provide guidance on when and how to introduce specific foods based on your baby’s individual needs and development.

Each baby is different in terms of oral development and readiness.

As is the case when introducing any new foods, watch for digestive issues in your baby.

Benefits of Acorn Squash for Baby

I knew that I wanted to serve acorn squash to my baby because it’s a fantastic fall food, and full of important nutrients.

• Nutritious– Acorn squash is highly nutritious and full of antioxidants and immune nutrients. Read more below to see!
• Great texture and can be modified – Acorn squash is full of antioxidants, and can be mashed and has a soft texture. Like zucchini for babies, there is so much you can do with it! You can start with a smooth puree and eventually move to mashed or finely chopped pieces to encourage self-feeding and the development of chewing skills.
• Blends well into other flavors – Acorn squash can take on sweet or savory flavors, and blend well with other flavors and textures.
• Easy for baby to hold – If you cut and serve it in slices, it’s a great first food for babies to hold, if you prefer the baby led weaning approach vs. spoon-feeding.

Acorn Squash Nutrition Benefits

Here are some of the nutrition benefits of acorn squash for babies:

• Vitamins A and C– Both of these vitamins are important for immune health and have antioxidant properties.
• Potassium – Potassium is an important micronutrient that helps with blood pressure, heart health and more.
• Antioxidants – Antioxidants play many roles in the body, such as decreasing inflammation and enabling overall health.
• Fiber – Babies and toddlers can often struggle with constipation. Acorn squash is a natural way to get in that fiber to help move things along their little digestive systems.
• Serve with fats – While acorn squash is virtually fat-free, serving it with some healthy fats, like olive oil, butter, coconut oil, or avocado oil, can help with nutrient absorption. Fat is also very important for growing babies’ brains!

How to Cook Acorn Squash for Baby

There are several different ways you can cook acorn squash and make squash baby food, which is a huge benefit.

First, you want to make sure you adequately wash your squash, and then remove the skin and seeds.

Here are a few:

• In the air fryer – We love the crispy texture of acorn squash in the air fryer, and it’s much quicker than the oven.
• In the oven – You can also choose to roast your acorn squash, whether you roast it in two halves or several handheld slices. I love pairing with parsnips for baby.
• Pureed – After cooking the acorn squash, you can scoop out the squash strands and add it to any puree baby food for your own acorn squash baby food recipe. I love adding it to acorn squash muffins, and pairing with a fat, like avocado for baby.
• Steamed – Generally, steaming is one of the best ways to retain nutrients when cooking. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add your seasoned acorn squash, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
• In the microwave – Yes, you can cook acorn squash in the microwave! To do this cooking method, cut your acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place both halves down (with the skin up) on a microwave-safe plate or dish. Cover and heat on high for 9-12 minutes. You can pierce with a fork to check for doneness – it should be tender when done.

You can also add acorn squash to baby meatballs, soups (like this pumpkin sweetpotato soup), smoothies, pastas, casseroles and more.

You can serve acorn squash for any meal of the day.

Add it to these easy baby breakfast recipes or serve it alongside what you’re eating for dinner as a side dish.

Here are some other ways to serve it:

• pureed into a smoothie
• Mixed into sweetpotato spaghetti or pasta sauce
• Mixed into baby mac and cheese
• Cut up and roasted on a sheet pan
• Mixed with other veggies or in a salad
• On its own or stuffed with quinoa or grains
• Mashed into pancakes or baby waffles

More Baby Food Recipes

If you want tips and recipes for introducing other foods to babies, check out these posts:

• Baby pancakes
• Roasted baby led weaning carrots
• How to cook sweetpotato for baby led weaning
• Cantaloupe for baby

References:

Valentine CJ. Nutrition and the developing brain. Pediatr Res. 2020 Jan;87(2):190-191. doi: 10.1038/s41390-019-0650-y. Epub 2019 Oct 31. PMID: 31673115.